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Original poster

Is this a false widow spider or something else?

36 replies

BlueReindeer · 09/08/2022 20:27

Is this a false widow or something else? Are they more black usually than brown? This was inside so not happy and thought I’d squished it but it got up and started moving when I went to grab phone.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueReindeer · 09/08/2022 20:27

Pic incase people didn’t want the pic in first post.

Is this a false widow spider or something else?
OP posts:
Original poster
BlueReindeer · 09/08/2022 20:35

Google is now telling me it’s a lace web hopefully?

OP posts:
RayneDance · 09/08/2022 20:39

No it looks like false widow..

They colonise super fast so be careful,check windows etc where they make web

Disneyblueeyes · 09/08/2022 20:41

Its a false widow, or noble spider.
They're completely harmless.

Haggisfish3 · 09/08/2022 20:44

Not completely harmless. These are one of the few species I do squash in the house. They do bite and some people react badly.

KateBlush · 09/08/2022 20:51

Is there any way to deter false widows? They're in all my window frames and their copious, tangled webs are making the place look like a haunted house.

Disneyblueeyes · 09/08/2022 21:14

When I say harmless, its venom isn't a risk to the majority of people, just like wasp stings aren't. Sadly, some people can have an allergic reaction to it, just like some people can to wasp stings, peanuts or just about any other substance on the planet. There is also the risk of infection from a bite, just like there is from any minor cut or splinter.

RayneDance · 09/08/2022 22:05

@KateBlush

Personally I urge you to get on top of them urgently..
Remove, squish...and get the population of them under control.
Then spray peppermint around window frames and doors etc.
They brees so fast and unfortunately I know so many people who have reacted badly.

Original poster
BlueReindeer · 10/08/2022 08:15

Pants at it being a false widow. This was inside in an upstairs bedroom where I know there are some outside the window. Will get killing

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Cantbeliveyoufakeit · 10/08/2022 08:19

Seconding peppermint oil wiped or sprayed around your windows/doors, they hate it so will scarper and avoid coming back.

WildFlowerBees · 10/08/2022 08:21

You really don't need to kill them. Get a spider hoover and put them elsewhere. I get that people don't like them, I'm not a fan but why kill them, they're brilliant for our eco system.

Original poster
BlueReindeer · 10/08/2022 08:22

Because if they are inside they know how to get in and will come back?

Do I need the best peppermint oil or a spray? Have looked at Amazon

OP posts:
lemons44 · 10/08/2022 08:24

WildFlowerBees · 10/08/2022 08:21

You really don't need to kill them. Get a spider hoover and put them elsewhere. I get that people don't like them, I'm not a fan but why kill them, they're brilliant for our eco system.

This.

Remove and buy a spider deterrent spray from Amazon. I have one and it works. Spray around all your windows and they won't come in.

Cornishqween · 10/08/2022 08:24

I had false widows in my old house - they looked exactly like yours (sorry). They are usually the size of a 20 pence piece.

I killed them rather than relocated as I was worried they'd just come straight back in.

RayneDance · 10/08/2022 08:26

False widows are non native to UK and have been out competing domestic spiders

They colonise and dominate quickly..

They are the fastest growing spider in Europe!
There is also talk of them being more poisonous than previously thought because they have evolved.

ElsaMars · 10/08/2022 09:39

I used to have an absolute terror of spiders and now my house always has a false widow hanging around somewhere and I don't give a monkeys. If one was on my bed or in the kids room, I might get a glass, bit of cardboard and put it out but I'd be fighting a losing battle. Last year, I swear the one I took off of the stairs and put out if the front door came back to the same stair numerous times!

ZeroFuchsGiven · 10/08/2022 09:41

No need to kill it, it won't harm you!

Cantbeliveyoufakeit · 10/08/2022 10:11

BlueReindeer · 10/08/2022 08:22

Because if they are inside they know how to get in and will come back?

Do I need the best peppermint oil or a spray? Have looked at Amazon

Nope, cheapest you can find will do, just add a few drops to water in a spray bottle and spritz round windows or put a few drops neat on a cloth and wipe round window frames.

MaMisled · 10/08/2022 10:16

False widow bite, so my GP thinks. 3 weeks on, it's still being dress3d by Practice Nurse!

ConfusedBubble · 10/08/2022 10:24

I'll be honest, it doesn't look like a False Widow to me - we have a whole colony of them in our garage and they look nothing like this - they are far more obvious, very smooth and shiny, round bodies (like small (or not so small!) Maltesers).. And the 'skull' on the back of ours is a far more vivid, almost white, colour. This absolutely looks like a lace web, please don't panic!

Heronatemygoldfish · 10/08/2022 11:31

This was a false widow I found in the house, though given where it was, I'm happy for a colony of them as I loathe flies!

Is this a false widow spider or something else?
RayneDance · 10/08/2022 11:44

The problem with multiple number of them is that they are more likely to get where humans go ,into dressings gowns...beds....

Original poster
BlueReindeer · 13/08/2022 14:20

How bout this one?
even if the inside one wasn’t one, have seen loads outside the windows that look more bulbous and shiny.
thanks @Cantbeliveyoufakeit think I’ve got some peppermint oil from and aromatherapy set so will get spritzing

Is this a false widow spider or something else?
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Original poster
BlueReindeer · 13/08/2022 14:20

Ouch @MaMisled

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justasking111 · 13/08/2022 14:29

KateBlush · 09/08/2022 20:51

Is there any way to deter false widows? They're in all my window frames and their copious, tangled webs are making the place look like a haunted house.

Use the hoover attachment, then dustbin